Hill Country Happenings: March 12-March 18, 2017

Spring Break is finally here and with that a jam-packed calendar of events to come out and enjoy for the week, day, or just a quick get-away. Don’t forget the luck of the Irish is upon us as St. Patrick’s Day festivities are in full force on March 17^th.

Rodeo’s, Festivals, and yes even crawfish season is here for all those mudbug fans out there. Take your pick and enjoy all the sites our beautiful Hill Country and beyond have to offer.

Sunday, March 12, 2017

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2017 SXSW Festival For over 30 years the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) has launched the city of Austin, TX center stage as it transforms into a mecca for the world’s leaders in the creative industries of Film, Music, Interactive as well as Sustainability (Eco) and Education (Edu). There’s still time to register and get your tickets and 2017 SXSW Badges. With four badges to choose from, you’re sure to find the right venue for your needs with either a Platinum, Music, Film, or Interactive badge all providing extended access to networking, learning, and discovery. March 10-19^th. For ticket prices, schedule information and list of keynote speakers, events, festivals, and conferences visit www.sxsw.com.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo March 7-26^th is one of the largest and most anticipated rodeos of Texas. With a star-studded line-up of performers, a world class carnival, and some of the best bar-b-que in the state! Take a road trip down south to NRG Stadium and enjoy the award-winning art contest displays, horse shows, calf Scrambles, and livestock show. For ticket prices and schedule information visit www.rodeohouston.com 

Texas Hell Week 27th Celebrating its 27^th anniversary (March 11-18). “Hundreds of riders have been coming to this German hamlet for some of the best rural riding this side of Eden,” states its website.  Located in Fredericksburg, TX, come out to enjoy the beautiful ride through some the Hill Country’s finest scenery. Contact (806) 499-3210 or visit www.hellweek.com for more information.

Wake up the Bears Weekend March 10-12 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Guadalupe “Yogi Bear™ has had a busy winter, but he was able to catch a nap or two. It’s time to wake up Yogi Bear™ and Boo Boo™ for the spring,” shares their website. Come out for all the fun activities these two have planned for you and the family to enjoy. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Guadalupe, 2605 Junction Hwy 27, Kerrville, TX 78028. jellystoneguadalupe.com/events

Llano Earth Art Fest at Grenwelge Park Enjoy this annual show of artist, music, camping, rock stacking competition, and vendors. Fun for the entire family.  Tickets are $5 in advance/$10 at the gate. Grenwelge Park, 199 E Haynie St, Llano, TX, 78643. March 10-13, 2017. Open until 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, until 6 p.m. on Sunday, and 3 p.m. on Monday. Contact the Llano Chamber at (325)247-5354 or visit www.llanoearthartfest.org for more information.

Lost Draw Cellars Annual Crawfish Boil! Bring your bib and get ready to get your crawfish on because it’s that time of season! Lost Draw Cellars is having their annual boil in their courtyard. There will be music, mudbugs galore, and the release of three new wines for them. The event will be held Sunday, March 12, 2017, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Lost Draw Cellars, 113 East Park Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Get your tickets here!

Schlitterbahn Spring Break New Braunfels, TX  It’s time to grab the kids and head on out for some fun in the sun this Spring Break! Schlitterbahn is opening March 11-19th, 2017 daily from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. “Schlitterbahn is opening the most popular area of our flagship park – Blastenhoff. This part of the park is home to the world’s most award-winning waterpark ride, the Master Blaster. Known as the most exciting uphill water coaster in the world, it’s the most popular ride year after year,” shares its website. (830) 625-2351. Schlitterbahn, 588 S Union Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.schlitterbahn.com.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Spring Break at the Museum Enjoy some spring break fun at the Pioneer Museum in beautiful Fredericksburg, TX. Enjoy a variety of activities such as quilters, doll makers, rope making, storytellers, Chuck Wagon cookery, and Vaquero interpretation just to name a few. Saturday, March 11 through Saturday, March 18 (Closed -Sunday, March 12). 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for kids in school. Preschoolers and babies free. www.pioneermuseum.net.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Guadalupe St. Patrick’s/Spring Break Week/March 13-19

Celebrate the luck of the Irish and come on out to Jellystone Park to enjoy breathtaking views of the Guadalupe River while enjoying the sites and sounds of good old fashion fun in the sun with Yogi bear and friends. Enjoy bingo, arts and crafts, and movie night (weather permitting). Grab the family and pack up for a weekend full of adventure. Make sure to wear green! Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Guadalupe, 2605 Junction Hwy 27, Kerrville, TX 78028. For more information visit jellystoneguadalupe.com.

Hill Country Arts Foundation-Spring Break Art & Theatre Camp Looking for some fun activities for the kiddos this spring break? They will enjoy exploring their artistic and theatrical side in this fun environment. It’s a jam-packed curriculum to inspire the artist in them. Space is limited, so call (830) 367-5120 to register! Scholarships are available. Please click on this link to fill out a form and send it via email to [email protected] or by printing it out and dropping it off at the gallery. Grades K-5. March 13-17th from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road, Ingram, Texas 78025.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

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Robot Week at the Science Mill March 14, 2017 – March 16, 2017 It’s robot mania at the Hill Country Science Mill. Participate in hands-on robot building, see live robot demos, and even go through an obstacle course on a robotic car. Fun for all ages! Hill Country Science Mill, 101 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, TX 78636. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Contact (844) 263-6405 or [email protected] for more information. Admission is free for children under 3; $8.50 for children ages 3-18, and @10 for adults. Admission for seniors (65+) and military is $8. www.sciencemill.org.

Swing Dance Lessons-Spring Break Edition! At Gruene Hall Put on your dancing shoes and come on out to Gruene Hall for some East Coast Swings lessons to put a little pep in that step. $8 per person. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Contact (830) 629-5077 or [email protected] for more information or visit www.gruenehall.com. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

5^th Annual Two Ton Tuesday Spring Break at Gruene Hall Show The San Antonio-based band that pushes the limits of country and punk music will bring the house down in this special Spring Break version of the popular Two Ton Tuesday series. “Before there was Americana before there was Texas Country, Two Tons of Steel front man Kevin Geil and his band rocked a sound that blended the best of musical worlds and pushed the envelope of “Texas” sound with a signature brand of high-energy country meets raw punk,” shares gruenehall.com. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and there is a $5 cover. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Click here for more information.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Kerr County Produce Market Day Making healthy eating affordable, Kerr County Produce opens its warehouse to the public each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to fill up on the fresh fruits, vegetable, and eggs. Serving the Hill Country for 35 years. Admission is Free! The Big Red Barn, 215 A Street, Kerrville, TX. Contact (830) 896-7330 or visit  www.facebook.com/kerrcountyproduce for more information.

Rio Frio Fest Come out for the hottest party of Spring Break March 15-18th, 2017 and enjoy the music of Cody Johnson, William Clark Green, Cory Morrow, Micky & The Motorcars, Zane Williams, Flatland Cavalry Randall King, and much more! Concerts, activities, and cook-offs are just some of the fun you can expect for this Texas Style Spring Break. For more information and tickets and festival packages, visit www.riofriofest.com.

Spring Break 2017 at Horseshoe Bay Resort Come out to Horseshoe Bay Resort March 15-18^th for some unique Spring Break activities to enjoy with the family. Catch Cirque-tacular, a mystifying circus troupe from New York City, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Horseshoe Bay style, and enjoy a family fun day with face painting, arts and crafts, lawn games, and more. For more information and ticket prices visit hsbresort.com. Horseshoe Bay Resort, 200 Hi Cir N, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Bandera Farmers Market Come out for fresh eggs, produce, fresh baked goods, rare Asian vegetables, and more, shares its website. “Our outdoor market is open year-round on Main St. in Bandera, Texas in front of Sid’s BBQ. You can find us on Thursdays from 8-11 am.” March 2 – 30, 2017 from  8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Call (830) 796-4227 or visit www.banderacowboycapital.com.

Dallas Moore Band at Gruene Hall “Dallas Moore is an American Outlaw/Honky-Tonk artist and award winning songwriter of the number one hits “Texas Tornado,” “Crazy Again,” and “Blessed Be The Bad Ones,” as shared by their website. You don’t want to miss their Dark Horse Rider tour blazing through the Hill Country with a stop at Gruene Hall. Free Show. 1-5 p.m. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

Swing Dancing Thursday at the Villa at the Gruene Grab your dancing shoes and swing on over for an evening of fun. Step back in time and learn the dance craze of the 1930s like the Lindy Hop as you enjoy the energetic music of the times. Making a comeback among different generations, Swing Dancing is becoming all the craze and here’s your chance to show off your moves. 6 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. Villa at Gruene, 1190 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130. For more information be sure to visit their website at villaatgruene.com.

Friday, March 17, 2017 – St. Patrick’s Day

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28th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival  Come out to enjoy some of the best country bands the Hill Country has to offer in the Heart of Texas Country Music Festival. “The Heart of Texas Country Music Museum located in Brady contains items from over seventy-five country music entertainers including Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Hank Thompson and even Jim Reeves’ 1956 tour bus.” March 17-25, 2017. Call (325) 597-1895 or visit hillbillyhits.com.

Fish Friday at Hangar 47 Bar & Grill Looking for an All You Can Eat Fish Fry on Fridays? then look no further than Fish Friday at Hangar 47 Bar & Grill. Add this to your favorite spots to eat your seafood favorites on Friday’s during Lent season. Make Your Reservations in advance by calling (800) 292-5134. Flying L Hill Country Resort, 566 Flying L Dr., Bandera, TX 78003.

3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Crawfish Boil Come celebrate St. Patty’s Day at Conway’s Dance Hall with a little music, a crawfish boil, and a leprechaun photo booth. This event features the best green beer in town! March 17 – 18, 2017 from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. Conway’s Dance Hall, 262 W John St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.newbraunfelsnightout.com.

Tejas Brothers – St. Patrick’s Bash at River Road Ice House with Chris Saucedo Band Looking for a great St. Patrick’s Day bash? Grab a friend or two and make your way to Rive Road Ice House. Get ready to get your green beer on and enjoy live music and a bushel of fun. River Road Ice House, 1791 Hueco Springs Loop Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132. Call (830) 626-1335 or visit riverroadicehouse.com for more information.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

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New Braunfels Farmers Market Start your day off early with a trip to the New Braunfels Farmer Market. Pick up your fresh eggs, grass-fed meats, baked goods and more. This is not your ordinary farmers market. “Enjoy a relaxing Saturday morning listening to live music, eating delicious food, and enjoying time with friends and family,” shares its website. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130. innewbraunfels.com.

Mud Dauber Rock’N Billy Chili Fest Come out and enjoy the music of  “BILLY JOE SHAVER, Tejas Brothers, Whitney Rose, Ruby Dee, and the Snakehandlers, award winningTessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars Kevin Deal and more TBD,” shares its website. Get your Rock ‘n’ Roll on and award-winning chili! Benefiting the Boys and Girls club of Fredericksburg. 12 – 11:45 p.m. www.luckenbachtexas.com.

Wild Hog Explosion Experience an event like no other watching teams catch a hog and race to the finish line Winners are awarded commemorative belt buckles. There will be vendors, music, arts and crafts, and much more. Twig’s Grille, 907 13th Street, Bandera, TX 78003. Call (830) 796-4310 or visit www.wildhogexplosion.com.

Texas Night Sky Festival “International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Texas, the City of Dripping Springs, and the Hays County Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist will host the 2nd Annual Texas Night Sky Festival, a free celebration of the Texas Night Sky! The event is free and open to the public,” as shared on its website. The focus of the event is to enhance the appreciation of the night sky and our world. Vendors will be on hand with demos related to the night sky and items inspired by the night sky. For more information call (512) 858-472 or visit hwww.texasnightskyfestival.org. The event will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs, TX from 3-10 p.m.

Silver Spur Gun & Blade Trade Show Get ready to come out and buy, trade, sell, or just look around among the various vendors participating. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive Fredericksburg, TX 78624. The show runs from Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Contact Kim Sansom at (806) 253-1322, [email protected], or visit www.silverspurtradeshows.com for more information.